Robert Matthews

After studying physics at Oxford, Robert became a science writer. He’s visiting professor in science at Aston University.

Recent articles by Robert Matthews

Why do clothes get darker when wet? © Getty Images

Everyday science

Why do clothes get darker when wet?

Is it true that you must wait an hour after eating before going for a swim? © Dan Bright

Everyday science

Is it true that you must wait an hour after eating before going for a swim?

What propels the ‘sailing stones’ across the Californian desert? © Getty Images

What propels the ‘sailing stones’ across the Californian desert?

How much money is estimated to exist on Earth? © Alamy

Everyday science

Quick Q&A: How much money is estimated to exist on Earth?

Asteroids most likely delivered water to the moon – here's how we cracked it © Getty Images

Everyday science

Does the full Moon make people mad?

Do viruses die? © iStock

Why don’t viruses like the flu die off when no one is ill?

How far from Earth could aliens detect our radio signals? © Getty Images

How far from Earth could aliens detect our radio signals?

Whatever happened to irradiated food? © Alamy

Everyday science

Whatever happened to irradiated food?

How hot would a pavement have to be in order to fry an egg on it? © Getty Images

Everyday science

Quick Q&A: How hot would a pavement have to be in order to fry an egg on it?

How long is a moment? © Getty Images

Everyday science

How long is a moment?

What would be the effects of light having mass? © Getty Images

Everyday science

What would be the effects of light having mass?

Why do we swing our arms when we walk? © Getty Images

Why do we swing our arms when we walk?

Why does the clinking sound go down in pitch when I stir sugar into my coffee? © Getty Images

Everyday science

Why does the clinking sound go down in pitch when I stir sugar into my coffee?

What’s the most dangerous sport? © Getty Images

Everyday science

What’s the most dangerous sport?

How do atoms ‘know’ what other atoms to bond to? © Getty Images

Everyday science

How do atoms ‘know’ what other atoms to bond to?